Guide
Cycling rules. What's the law in Austria?
Everyone knows driving has rules. Cycling has some too, and some fines cost as much as a dinner you treat yourself to far too rarely.
Updated September 2026, including the road traffic amendment of 1 May 2026
In short
Helmet under 12, under 14 on e-bikes
For children a helmet is compulsory, also in a child seat or trailer. On e-bikes, since 1 May 2026, until their 14th birthday.
0.8 per mille, on e-bikes too
Above that it costs €800 to €5,900. The new 0.5 limit applies to e-scooters, not to bikes.
Cycle path, where there is one
If there's a cycle path or cycle lane, you usually have to use it. You never ride on the pavement.
Phone only hands-free
Calling without a hands-free kit costs from €50. Riding with no hands is forbidden.
Where to ride
Where you may ride.
- Road
- AllowedIf there's a cycle path or cycle lane, you usually have to ride there.
- Bicycle street
- Allowed30 km/h at most for everyone. Riding side by side is allowed.
- Cycle path and cycle lane
- Allowed
- Shared foot and cycle path
- AllowedLook out for everyone on foot.
- Cycle crossing
- AllowedWithout traffic lights, approach it at 10 km/h at most.
- Against a one-way street
- Only with an extra signWithout the sign it's forbidden.
- Residential street
- AllowedAt walking pace.
- Shared space
- Allowed20 km/h at most, unless signs say otherwise.
- School street
- AllowedAt walking pace.
- Pedestrian zone
- Only with an extra signThen at walking pace.
- Pavement, footpath and zebra crossing
- ForbiddenPushing is fine.
- Motorway and expressway
- Forbidden
Equipment
What your bike must have.
On the bike
- Two brakes that work independently of each other
- A bell
- A white reflector at the front and a red one at the back
- Yellow reflectors on the pedals
- Reflectors on the spokes or tyres with a reflective stripe
- White front light and red rear light when it's dark or visibility is poor
For you
- Under 0.8 per mille blood alcohol, on e-bikes too
- A helmet for children under 12, also in a child seat or trailer
- A helmet on e-bikes until the 14th birthday, since 1 May 2026
- Children under 12 only ride under the supervision of someone aged 16 or over, alone from 10 with a cycling licence, from 9 in the fourth year of school
Fines
What a mistake costs.
This is what it usually costs on the spot. If you're reported, it can cost more, up to €726.
- Calling without a hands-free kit
- from €50
- Riding with no hands
- from €30
- Ignoring a stop sign
- from €50
- Riding through a red light
- from €70
- Missing lights or reflectors
- from €20
- Riding against a one-way street
- from €50
- Riding on the pavement
- from €30
- Endangering pedestrians while doing so
- from €50
- Over 0.8 per mille
- €800–5,900
Quiz
Do you know the rules?
Question 1 of 5
Protect your bike
You know the rules. Now protect your bike.
Karl also pays after a crash or an accident, worldwide and with no excess.